India's Cricketing Journey: Post-IPL 2026 Schedule and World Cup Aspirations

The Indian cricket team has made history by winning the 2026 T20 World Cup, marking their third consecutive major tournament victory. As they prepare for the upcoming IPL season starting March 28, 2026, the focus will shift to a busy schedule that includes crucial ODI matches leading up to the 2027 World Cup. This article outlines India's upcoming fixtures and their ambitions in the World Test Championship, providing insights into their cricketing future.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 9, 2026, 15:41 IST

Historic Victory and Upcoming Challenges

The Indian cricket team has achieved a remarkable feat by clinching the 2026 T20 World Cup, successfully defending their title on home ground. This victory marks India's third consecutive triumph in major tournaments. Following this success, the focus will shift as players prepare for their respective franchises in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL), which is set to commence on March 28, 2026. The Men in Blue will return to the field in June, initiating a busy schedule across all formats of the game.

As preparations ramp up for the 2027 World Cup, the emphasis will be on One Day Internationals (ODIs). India aims to strengthen its position in the World Test Championship (WTC) as they strive to reach the finals of the 2025-27 cycle.

India's Schedule from IPL 2026 to Cricket World Cup 2027 (According to ICC Future Tours Programme)

Tournament	Matches	Dates	Host Country
Afghanistan tour of India	1 Test, 3 ODIs	June 6 to June 20	India
India tour of England	5 T20Is, 3 ODIs	July 1 to July 19	England
India tour of Sri Lanka	2 Tests, 2 T20Is	August 2026	Sri Lanka
India tour of Bangladesh*	3 ODIs, 3 T20Is	September 1 to September 13, 2026	Bangladesh
India tour of Afghanistan	3 T20Is	September 2026	TBA
Asian Games 2026	T20I	September 19 to October 4, 2026	Japan
West Indies tour of India	3 ODIs, 3 T20Is	October 2026	India
India tour of New Zealand	2 Tests, 3 ODIs, 5 T20Is*	October-November 2026	New Zealand
Sri Lanka tour of India	3 ODIs, 3 T20Is	December 2026 to January 2027	India
Border-Gavaskar Trophy (India vs Australia)	5 Tests	January-February 2027	India
World Test Championship Final (if India qualifies)	1 Test	June 2027	England
Asia Cup (ODIs)	ODIs	July 2027	Bangladesh
Cricket World Cup	ODIs	October-November	South Africa/Zimbabwe/Namibia

*India has yet to confirm the tour to Bangladesh.

*Reports suggest that 5 ODIs will be played between India and New Zealand, but this is still unconfirmed.

It is important to note that the one-off Test against Afghanistan does not fall under the WTC cycle. However, the away series against New Zealand and Sri Lanka, along with the home series against Australia, are part of this competition. The ICC has only released the FTP until March 2027, with future assignments expected to cover all formats after the 2027 IPL and leading up to the 2027 Cricket World Cup.